Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $41.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Cary, NC runs $41.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,792 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,077 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the projected hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is estimated at $41.73 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate translates well for professionals working part-time or in per-diem settings, such as those operating in hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, or mobile MRI trailers. For workers on a three-day schedule, this rate can provide a stable income; entry-level technologists may earn around $30.95, while experienced professionals in more specialized settings can approach $57.54 per hour. Understanding the hourly rate and range is vital for those considering different work environments or negotiating positions in Cary’s diverse healthcare landscape.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.95 | $247.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.88 | $287.03 |
| Median (P50) | $41.73 | $333.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.98 | $367.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.54 | $460.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $41.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.73/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,074. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,669.14 | $7,233 | $86,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.48 | $4,340 | $52,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.65 | $2,893 | $34,718 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Cary) | $41.73 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cary, NC earn a median of $86,792 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the North Carolina state average of $87,491.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.73/hr = $52,077/year (purchasing power: $55,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,795/year (purchasing power: $92,730).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cary grew 30.1% from $30.55/hr (2019) to $39.73/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Cary
Part-time MRI technologists working three days a week can expect their annual income to be significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Assuming a schedule of 24 hours a week, their total earnings would amount to approximately $51,000 annually, which highlights the potential financial trade-offs of part-time work. For per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Cary, rates commonly range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized roles, such as cardiac MRI, reaching $75 to $110 per hour. Hospital imaging departments may offer competitive benefits that come with lower hourly pay, while outpatient centers and mobile services might provide higher rates without the same level of security. When negotiating hourly rates, technologists should assess their priorities between financial compensation and benefits, keeping in mind that those in travel contracts can earn between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly, illustrating the diversity of earning potential available within the field.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cary in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Cary?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Cary?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cary?
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cary. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cary is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov